Gavin McKenna poised for top NHL draft pick after strong NCAA season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 12:22 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Gavin McKenna, a standout from Penn State, is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft on June 26, 2026. Following a challenging start, McKenna excelled in the latter half of the season, scoring 33 points in 18 games, significantly improving his draft stock. His performance included a record-breaking single-game of 8 points against Ohio State. This marks a pivotal moment for Penn State hockey, which has struggled to attract high-level prospects since its inception as a varsity sport. The upcoming draft could address this trend, as Penn State anticipates multiple players being selected in the early rounds.
- •Gavin McKenna projects as the top pick in the NHL Draft on June 26.
- •He scored 33 points in the final 18 games of the season.
- •McKenna set a Penn State record with 8 points in one game against Ohio State.
- •Penn State has had no first-round NHL picks since 2000 across sports.
- •This offseason, four Penn State players signed professional contracts.
- 12:22 PMYahoo Sports — The McKenna Project
"Two weeks from the NHL Draft, Gavin McKenna could bring in another milestone for Penn State hockey
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